Hey friends! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are feeling refreshed and ready for the week ahead.
Mark and I were lucky enough to sneak away for a little weekend getaway, thanks to our amazing parents, who stepped in to take care of the kids, the dog, and the house. We truly couldn’t be more grateful for the chance to unplug and recharge.
We left on Friday and came back on Sunday, spending a couple of peaceful days on Cape Cod. It was the perfect little retreat—long walks on the beach, indulging in delicious meals, reading without interruption, and just enjoying the quiet before the busy summer season begins. A huge bonus was staying in a charming home owned by friends of ours, who also gave us some incredible restaurant recommendations. One of our favorites was the Brewster Fish House, where we had a seafood lunch that was out of this world. Mark went for the mussels, while I had the most amazing crabcake topped with homemade orange marmalade sauce.
But what really caught my eye—aside from the incredible food—was the stunning container gardens scattered around the restaurant and along the streets nearby. Despite the early spring season, the combination of real and faux flowers added so much beauty and charm to the space. It immediately got me thinking about my own containers at home.
Getting Inspired for Spring Planting
The restaurant had gorgeous early spring arrangements featuring tulips accented with faux forsythia. I suspect the tulips were still in their plastic nursery pots, hidden beneath a layer of moss, which makes it easy to bring them indoors if a late frost threatens. That’s such a smart idea for early-season container gardening, especially in areas where the weather is still unpredictable.
Now, I have to admit—I’m usually not a big fan of artificial plants. But when it comes to spring container gardens, a little faux foliage can go a long way in adding fullness and color, especially before the real blooms have fully arrived. Easter decorations, in particular, look so joyful with bright pops of yellow, pink, and purple!
This little encounter reignited my excitement for getting my hands dirty and refreshing my own container gardens for the season. I can’t wait to fill my front porch and deck with beautiful blooms and lush greenery. Do you enjoy container gardening too?
Choosing the Right Plants for Your Containers
One of the best things about container gardening is its flexibility. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or just a small balcony, you can create a thriving garden in pots and planters. Here are a few ideas to get started:
- Thrillers, Fillers, and Spillers – One of the golden rules of container gardening is to include a mix of plants:
- Thrillers: These are the tall, eye-catching plants that add height and drama (like grasses, salvias, or lilies).
- Fillers: These plants provide fullness and texture (think petunias, begonias, or coleus).
- Spillers: These cascade over the sides of the container, softening the edges and adding movement (like ivy, sweet potato vine, or trailing lobelia).
- Seasonal Selections – Spring is the perfect time to start with cool-season flowers like pansies, violas, and snapdragons. Once summer hits, switch to heat-loving plants like geraniums, marigolds, and lantana.
- Herbs & Edibles – If you love cooking, herb container gardens are a great option. Basil, thyme, mint, and rosemary grow beautifully in pots. You can even try tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries in large containers.
Inspiration for Your Own Container Garden
Looking for more ideas? These are some of my favorite sources of container gardening inspiration:
Alyssa at 33 Shades of Green always creates stunning planters that feel fresh and effortless.
Houzz has tons of beautiful container gardening setups, perfect for any space.
The Garden Diaries is another fantastic resource for learning about different plant combinations and care tips.
Martha Stewart always offers elegant and creative ideas for container gardens.
Better Homes & Gardens has an incredible guide to planting containers, complete with plant names so you can replicate the looks yourself. One tip: When shopping for plants, make a list of alternatives just in case your local nursery doesn’t have the exact variety you’re looking for.
My Favorite Container Gardening Plants
If you’re unsure what to plant, here are a few of my personal favorites that thrive in pots:
- Sea Grass – I absolutely love using ornamental grasses like blue fescue or Japanese forest grass in my container gardens. They add height, texture, and movement.
- Lavender – Not only does lavender look and smell amazing, but it also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Geraniums – These classics are low-maintenance and bloom all season long.
- Ferns – Perfect for shaded areas, ferns bring a lush, tropical feel to any container.
- Succulents – If you want a low-water option, succulents are fantastic in containers.
The Next Step: Planting My Containers!
Now that I’m back home and back to reality, I’m ready to start working on my own container garden! But first, I have another little project to finish—filling 224 tiny holes left by unwanted shelf brackets. It’s a tedious job, but these little details make such a big difference in making a space feel polished and complete.
Once that’s done, though? It’s straight to the garden center for fresh plants, potting soil, and some good old-fashioned digging in the dirt. I can’t wait to see how my front porch and deck come together this season!
Are you working on any container gardening projects right now? I’d love to hear what you’re planting this spring!
And if you ever find yourself on Cape Cod and need some great restaurant recommendations, drop me a message—I’d be happy to share my favorites!
Wishing you all a happy and productive week ahead!
